Business Day
*Mantashe envisages a ‘Zuma moment’ for South Africa* *Natasha Marrian, Business Day, Johannesburg, 20 September 2012*THE Congress of South African Trade Unions’ (Cosatu’s) catch phrase for change, the "Lula moment", was morphed into the "Zuma moment" by African National Congress (ANC) general secretary Gwede Mantashe on Thursday.
The "Lula moment" refers to the improvement in the Brazilian economy during the second term of former president Luiz Lula da Silva.
Mr Mantashe’s usage may refer to Mr Zuma’s second term, which he is set to fight for at the ANC’s elective conference in December.
Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi used the phrase to describe a "high-road scenario" for South Africa’s future prospects in his political report to the congress.
Discussing the federation’s socioeconomic report during Cosatu’s 11th national congress, Mr Mantashe rose to add to the debate, saying he had some input to make "if we want to make the Zuma moment a reality".
He then highlighted issues around land and farming.Mr Mantashe also clarified the ANC’s position on nationalisation, saying the party had agreed on "strategic nationalisation" at its June policy conference. He urged Cosatu to add its voice to the debate around identifying strategic minerals to unfold at the ANC’s national conference in December.
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union agreed with Mr Mantashe on the "Zuma moment".
The ANC’s leadership question has weighed on the Cosatu congress — the federation’s leadership struggled to get delegates to settle down on Thursday morning as they sang songs and showed signs in favour of and against Mr Zuma.
Some delegates held up two fingers — resembling a peace sign — to indicate their support for him for a second term. Others rolled their hands, indicating change, resembling the signal for substitution in soccer matches.
Mr Vavi attempted to intervene, saying "once we start showing signs we divide the congress", and alerting delegates to the rules of the congress which bars them from singing divisive songs or displaying divisive signals.
Cosatu president Sdumo Dlamini then took to the podium, in a bid to get delegates to take their seats.
*From: http://www.bdlive.co.za/national/politics/2012/09/20/mantashe-envisages-a-zuma-moment-for-south-africa*
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